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Chemistry Description and Guide
Inorganic phosphate/PHOS
Phosphorus is an element which plays a major role as a metabolic intermediate and
is a constituent of nucleic acids, phospholipids, and nucleotides. Phosphates are also
important components of buffering systems within the body fluids. Phosphate and
calcium are absorbed in the small intestine. Absorption is influenced by the presence
of other minerals, nutrients, vitamins, and intestinal pH. Calcium and phosphorous
metabolism are interdependent.
Principal reason for performing the test:
As an indicator of the severity of renal disease.
Most common abnormality indicated by the test:
Renal failure and gastroenteritis.
Special precautions in sample collection:
Do not use oxalate, fluoride, citrate, or EDTA as anticoagulants. Blood samples must
be processed and centrifuged immediately after collection as phosphates are released
quickly from the red cells. Slight hemolysis can result in marked increases in phosphate
concentration.
Complementary tests:
Inorganic phosphate determination should be performed in conjunction with
measurements of calcium, albumin, total protein, and glucose. If renal disease is
suspected, urea, creatinine, albumin, and total protein should also be determined. PCV
may also be helpful to detect reduced erythropoietin production.
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